McCully has 'considerable concern' over US immigration policy

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has released a statement regarding President Trump's Muslim ban, saying it's not something New Zealand would contemplate doing.

The statement says the New Zealand Government respects the right of the US administration

to determine immigration policy, but that it's "clear that the implementation is subject to significant teething problems" and causing "widespread confusion and considerable concern".

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not received any requests for consular assistance as a result of the 90-day US immigration ban.

The statement says all people needing advice regarding travel to the US should contact the US Consulate General in Auckland.

Prime Minister Bill English is expected to address the ban this afternoon.

In an opinion piece written for Newshub, Labour leader Andrew Little called on Mr English to condemn Mr Trump's actions.

"It marks a massive leap backwards for humanity. All that we have learned and all that we have gained from developing a deeper understanding of people who act, look and sound different from ourselves has been tossed on the bonfire of populist rage."

Newshub contacted Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse for his views on the United States' new policy, but did not receive a response.

The White House has defended its implementation of US President Donald Trump's executive action targeting immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries, saying "only" two dozen travellers remain detained.

The streets of Washington DC are full again on Sunday (US time) with protesters opposed to the crackdown.